Empowering researchers in the SciLifeLab Train-the-Trainer Programme

Earlier this April, the SciLifeLab Train-the-Trainer course took place at the SciLifeLab Lund site. Train-the-Trainer is a comprehensive course designed to upskill researchers in the topics of training and learning.

Scientific Training Officers Jill Jaworski and colleague Kristen Schroeder successfully capacity-built yet another group of engaged and highly motivated researchers in this latest edition of the Train-the-Trainer programme. Researchers came from across Sweden to learn about how learning works, assessment and motivation/demotivation, mentorship practices and more. The SciLifeLab Training Hub is organizing the training programmes.

“Every researcher and subject-matter expert is a trainer in the making,” says Jessica Lindvall, Head of Training at SciLifeLab and lead of the Training Hub.

“The knowledge about how learning works and to ensure quality to your training activities are key skills. Both when designing, developing, and delivering training as well as in your daily life where we constantly, as experts, train and learn from each other. By training ourselves on how to ensure learning is happening, we create impact, sustainability and quality to our work,” Jessica elaborates.

From fundamental learning principles to mastering engagement strategies

In this edition, 10 participants from across Sweden came together for a 3-day intensive course. From exploring fundamental learning principles to mastering engagement strategies. The Train-the-Trainer course contains modules that cover session planning, material creation, active teaching techniques, and constructive feedback methods. The prime objective remains to render researchers capable of leveraging the latest educational insights to foster meaningful learning experiences, both for their training activities as well as to incorporate into their daily working life as researchers.

A big highlight of this year’s course was the focus on dynamic course material design and engagement methods that better support different types of learners. In her reflection on the importance of tailored teaching, Jill Jaworski said, “Our mission is to transform not only how we as trainers train but also how we as learners learn, creating a resonant educational experience. By considering the unique learning journeys of each individual, we can craft sessions that suit learners individually and as groups, and the topics and contexts being shared.”

Empowering researchers to teach with purpose, impact, and curiosity

SciLifeLab Training believes the Train-the-Trainer program is very important for researchers who want to check how well their teaching methods work, how they apply theory in real situations, and how they measure what students have learned.​

The Train-the-Trainer programme continues to be a beacon for those in the SciLifeLab ecosystem who strive to maximize their training skills and abilities. Ensuring that every learning opportunity is not merely an instance of knowledge transmission but a stepping stone to academic empowerment and curiosity. All in line with the SciLifeLab Training Hub’s mission.

Materials from every edition of the course are openly available for your upskilling. Check out the SciLifeLab Train-the-Trainer training: https://scilifelab-training.github.io/train-the-trainer/.